U.S. patent application number 11/329398 was filed with the patent office on 2006-11-23 for atv mounting bracket and associated methods.
Invention is credited to George D. Gates, Travis D. Gates.
Application Number | 20060261112 11/329398 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46323564 |
Filed Date | 2006-11-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060261112 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gates; George D. ; et
al. |
November 23, 2006 |
ATV mounting bracket and associated methods
Abstract
A mounting bracket for use in mounting at least one auxiliary
device to an ATV includes a body and an engaging section,
associated with the body. The engaging section is configured to
engage a portion of the ATV to limit movement of the body relative
to the ATV in at least one degree of freedom. Connecting means are
associated with the body for connecting the body to the portion of
the ATV. An auxiliary device receiving area is coupled to the body
and is operable to receive and secure an auxiliary device to the
bracket. The receiving area is formed of a material having a
hardness relatively greater than a hardness of the body.
Inventors: |
Gates; George D.; (West
Jordan, UT) ; Gates; Travis D.; (Riverton,
UT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THORPE NORTH & WESTERN, LLP.
8180 SOUTH 700 EAST, SUITE 200
SANDY
UT
84070
US
|
Family ID: |
46323564 |
Appl. No.: |
11/329398 |
Filed: |
January 9, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
29228175 |
Apr 20, 2005 |
D515910 |
|
|
11329398 |
Jan 9, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
224/558 ;
224/401 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R 11/00 20130101;
B60R 11/04 20130101; B60R 11/02 20130101; B60R 9/06 20130101; B60R
2011/004 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/558 ;
224/401 |
International
Class: |
B60R 7/00 20060101
B60R007/00; B60R 9/00 20060101 B60R009/00; B60R 11/00 20060101
B60R011/00 |
Claims
1. A mounting bracket for use in mounting a device to an ATV,
comprising: a body; an engaging section, associated with the body,
configured to engage a portion of the ATV to limit movement of the
body relative to the ATV in at least one degree of freedom;
connecting means, associated with the body, for connecting the body
to the portion of the ATV; and an auxiliary device receiving area,
coupled to the body and operable to receive and secure an auxiliary
device to the bracket; the receiving area being formed of a
material having a hardness relatively greater than a hardness of
the body.
2. The mounting bracket of claim 1, wherein the body is formed of a
polymer and the auxiliary device receiving area is formed of a
metal.
3. The mounting bracket of claim 3, wherein the body is formed of
nylon and wherein the auxiliary device receiving area is formed of
brass.
4. The mounting bracket of claim 1, wherein the auxiliary device
receiving area forms a portion of an insert disposed at least
partially within the body.
5. The mounting bracket of claim 4, wherein the insert includes a
lower portion having interference structure associated therewith,
the interference structure operable to engage the body to limit
movement of the insert relative to the body in at least two degrees
of freedom.
6. The mounting bracket of claim 5, wherein the interference
structure includes a series of peaks and valleys arranged in a
substantially horizontal orientation.
7. The mounting bracket of claim 6, wherein at least some of the
series of peaks are interrupted by at least one substantially
vertical slot.
8. The mounting bracket of claim 1, further comprising an open
channel, formed through the auxiliary device receiving area and the
body, the open channel being configured to allow a connector to
pass through the body without contacting internal portions of the
body.
9. A mounting bracket for use in mounting an auxiliary device to an
ATV, comprising: a body; an engaging section, associated with the
body, configured to engage a portion of the ATV to limit movement
of the body relative to the ATV in at least one degree of freedom;
connecting means, associated with the body, for connecting the body
to the portion of the ATV; an auxiliary device receiving area,
coupled to the body and operable to receive and secure an auxiliary
device to the bracket; the body including at least two support
sections supporting the auxiliary device receiving area, the at
least two support sections each tapering downwardly and outwardly
from the auxiliary device receiving area to an outer periphery of
the body.
10. The mounting bracket of claim 9, wherein the support sections
include an arcuately sloped taper.
11. The mounting bracket of claim 9, wherein the auxiliary device
receiving area is formed from a material having a hardness
relatively greater than a hardness of the body.
12. The mounting bracket of claim 9, wherein the auxiliary device
receiving area is formed from an insert disposed at least partially
within the body.
13. The mounting bracket of claim 12, wherein the insert includes a
lower portion having interference structure associated therewith,
the interference structure operable to engage the body to limit
movement of the insert relative to the body in at least two degrees
of freedom.
14. The mounting bracket of claim 13, wherein the interference
structure includes a series of peaks and valleys arranged in a
substantially horizontal orientation.
15. The mounting bracket of claim 14, wherein at least some of the
series of peaks are interrupted by a substantially vertical
slot.
16. A method for forming a mounting bracket for use in mounting at
least one auxiliary device to an ATV, comprising the steps of:
obtaining a body configured to engage a portion of the ATV; and
coupling an insert at least partially within the body, the insert
including: i) an auxiliary device receiving area operable to
receive and secure an auxiliary device to the bracket; and ii) a
lower portion having interference structure associated therewith,
the interference structure operable to engage the body to limit
movement of the insert relative to the body in at least two degrees
of freedom.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the body includes at least two
support sections supporting the auxiliary device receiving area,
the at least two support sections each tapering downwardly and
outwardly from the auxiliary device receiving area to an outer
portion of the body.
18. The method of claim 16, wherein the auxiliary device receiving
area is formed from a material having a hardness relatively greater
than a hardness of the body.
19. The method of claim 16, wherein the interference structure
includes a series of peaks and valleys arranged in a substantially
horizontal orientation.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein at least some of the series of
peaks are interrupted by a substantially vertical slot.
21. A mounting bracket for use in mounting a device to an ATV,
comprising: a body; connecting means, associated with the body, for
connecting the body to the portion of the ATV; and an insert,
disposed at least partially within the body, the insert including
an auxiliary device receiving area operable to receive and secure
an auxiliary device to the bracket; the insert being formed of a
material having a hardness relatively greater than a hardness of
the body.
22. The mounting bracket of claim 21, wherein the insert includes a
lower portion having interference structure associated therewith,
the interference structure operable to engage the body to limit
movement of the insert relative to the body in at least two degrees
of freedom.
23. The mounting bracket of claim 22, wherein the interference
structure includes a series of peaks and valleys arranged in a
substantially horizontal orientation.
24. The mounting bracket of claim 23, wherein at least some of the
series of peaks are at least partially interrupted by a
substantially vertical slot.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of copending U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 29/228,175, filed Apr. 20, 2005, which
is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to systems for
mounting auxiliary devices to vehicles. More particularly, the
present invention relates to systems for mounting auxiliary devices
to all-terrain-vehicles ("ATVs") that are subject to considerable
vibrational forces during use.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] All-terrain-vehicles ("ATVs") are used by many people for
recreation, hunting, transportation, outdoors work activities, etc.
As part of many of these activities, the person participating in
the activity desires to carry with them an auxiliary device such as
a rifle, shotgun, tools, bow, scopes, camera equipment, etc. In
order to safely and effectively operate the ATV while transporting
such equipment, the operator often mounts the auxiliary devices to
the ATV to maintain the hands of the operator in a free condition.
In an effort to ensure that such auxiliary devices are safely and
securely attached to the ATV while it is being operated, a variety
of mounting systems have been developed that are generally both
securely attached to the ATV and also provide secure attachment of
the auxiliary device to the mounting system.
[0004] In general, such mounting systems are developed to ensure
that the interface between the auxiliary device to be mounted and
the ATV is sufficiently secure that the auxiliary device does not
become dislodged from the ATV while the ATV is operated. As ATVs
are often operated in rugged terrain, the mounting system generally
incorporates a relatively robust design to ensure that the
auxiliary device is securely held, and that the mounting system is
not bent or otherwise damaged due to the weight of the auxiliary
device. In addition, the mechanism that secures the auxiliary
device to the mounting system must remain secured even when
carrying the auxiliary device is subject to the often considerable
vibrational forces induced by movement of the ATV over rough
terrain.
[0005] Due to the forces such mounting devices are subjected to,
conventional mounting devices have primarily been formed of
metallic materials that often add significant weight to the overall
weight of the ATV, are often costly to machine, and often present a
less-than desirable aesthetic appearance. Thus, while it may have
been desired to form such mounting devices from a lightweight,
inexpensive and easily manufactured material, the forces imparted
to the mounting system by the auxiliary device while the mounting
system is in use have discouraged such design attempts. In
particular, it has been found that the coupling interface between
the mounting bracket and the auxiliary device, which is often a
threaded coupling, is subjected to forces of a magnitude sufficient
to "strip" or otherwise damage threads formed in any but the most
robust of materials.
[0006] Accordingly, while it has been attempted to provide a more
lightweight, easily manufactured and aesthetically pleasing
mounting system for use in mounting auxiliary devices to ATVs, the
conventional solutions require either very bulky and heavy systems
or systems that risk inadvertent dislodging of the auxiliary
devices from the ATV.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention provides a mounting bracket for use in
mounting at least one auxiliary device to an ATV, including a body
and an engaging section associated with the body. The engaging
section can be configured to engage a portion of the ATV to limit
movement of the body relative to the ATV in at least one degree of
freedom. Connecting means can be associated with the body for
connecting the body to the portion of the ATV. An auxiliary device
receiving area can be coupled to the body and can be operable to
receive and secure an auxiliary device to the bracket. The
receiving area can be formed from a material having a hardness
relatively greater than a hardness of the body.
[0008] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a
mounting bracket for use in mounting at least one auxiliary device
to an ATV is provided, including a body and an engaging section
associated with the body. The engaging section can be configured to
engage a portion of the ATV to limit movement of the body relative
to the ATV in at least one degree of freedom. Connecting means can
be associated with the body for connecting the body to the portion
of the ATV. An auxiliary device receiving area can be coupled to
the body and can be operable to receive and secure an auxiliary
device to the bracket. The body can include at least two support
sections supporting the auxiliary device receiving area. The at
least two support sections can each taper downwardly and outwardly
from the auxiliary device receiving area to an outer periphery of
the body.
[0009] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method
for forming a mounting bracket for use in mounting at least one
auxiliary device to an ATV is provided, including the steps of:
obtaining a body having an engaging section associated therewith,
the engaging section being configured to engage a portion of the
ATV to limit movement of the body relative to the ATV in at least
one degree of freedom; and coupling an insert at least partially
within the body, the insert including: i) an auxiliary device
receiving area operable to receive and secure an auxiliary device
to the bracket; and ii) a lower portion having interference
structure associated therewith, the interference structure operable
to engage the body to limit movement of the insert relative to the
body in at least two degrees of freedom.
[0010] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more
important features of the invention so that the detailed
description thereof that follows may be better understood, and so
that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated.
Other features of the present invention will become clearer from
the following detailed description of the invention, taken with the
accompanying drawings and claims, or may be learned by the practice
of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a mounting bracket for use
in mounting an auxiliary device to an ATV in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 1B is a bottom view of the mounting bracket of FIG.
1A;
[0013] FIG. 1C is a top view of the mounting bracket of FIG.
1A;
[0014] FIG. 1D is a side view of the mounting bracket of FIG. 1A,
taken along a front side of the bracket shown in FIG. 1C;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a side view of a mounting bracket in accordance
with an embodiment of the invention, shown coupled to a portion of
an ATV and having a portion of an auxiliary device coupled
thereto;
[0016] FIG. 3A is a top view of a mounting bracket insert in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0017] FIG. 3B is a side view of the insert of FIG. 3A; and
[0018] FIG. 3C is a bottom view of the insert of FIG. 3A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it
is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the
particular structures, process steps, or materials disclosed
herein, but is extended to equivalents thereof as would be
recognized by those of ordinarily skilled in the relevant arts. It
should also be understood that terminology employed herein is used
for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is
not intended to be limiting.
[0020] It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the
appended claims, the singular forms "a" and "the" include plural
referents, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for
example, reference to a "lifting link" includes one or more of such
links and reference to "parallel link" includes reference to one or
more of such links.
[0021] Definitions
[0022] In describing and claiming the present invention, the
following terminology will be used in accordance with the
definitions set forth below.
[0023] As used herein, the term "auxiliary device" is to be
understood to refer to an object that can be mounted to at least a
portion of an ATV in order to be transported by the ATV. Examples
of auxiliary devices include, without limitation, tools, such as
shovels, rakes, picks, etc., guns, bows, camera equipment, scopes,
and also intermediate structures on which such devices can be
mounted or rested.
[0024] Distances, forces, weights, amounts, and other numerical
data may be expressed or presented herein in a range format. It is
to be understood that such a range format is used merely for
convenience and brevity and thus should be interpreted flexibly to
include not only the numerical values explicitly recited as the
limits of the range, but also to include all the individual
numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if
each numerical value and sub-range is explicitly recited.
[0025] As an illustration, a numerical range of "about 1 inch to
about 5 inches" should be interpreted to include not only the
explicitly recited values of about 1 inch to about 5 inches, but
also include individual values and sub-ranges within the indicated
range. Thus, included in this numerical range are individual values
such as 2, 3, and 4 and sub-ranges such as from 1-3, from 2-4, and
from 3-5, etc.
[0026] This same principle applies to ranges reciting only one
numerical value and should apply regardless of the breadth of the
range or the characteristics being described.
[0027] Invention
[0028] A system, indicated generally at 10 in FIGS. 1A through 2,
in accordance with the present invention is shown for a mounting
bracket for use in mounting at least one auxiliary device (20 in
FIG. 2) to an ATV (a portion of which is shown at 40 in FIG. 2).
The mounting bracket can include a body 12 that can include an
engaging section 14 associated therewith. The engaging section can
be configured to engage a portion (40 in FIG. 2, which can be, for
example, a handlebar or similar feature) of the ATV to limit
movement of the body relative to the ATV in at least one degree of
freedom. In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the engaging
section includes a generally elongate triangular section into which
the portion 40 of the ATV can be engaged. As shown in FIG. 2, the
body 12 can thereby be restricted from moving relative to the
portion of the ATV in at least the degree of freedom represented by
directional indicator 16.
[0029] While the engaging section 14 is shown as a generally
elongate triangular section in the embodiments illustrated in the
figures, it is to be understood that the present invention is not
so limited, as the engaging section can include a variety of shapes
and configurations suitable for engaging a portion of an ATV;
including a square or rectangular shape, oval or circular shape,
etc. In addition, the engaging section can include a recessed
portion such as that shown, or it can include structure (not shown)
that extends from the body to engage the portion of the ATV.
[0030] The mounting bracket 10 can also include connecting means,
shown by example at 18, associated with the body 12, for connecting
the body to the portion of the ATV. In the example shown in the
figures, the connecting means includes a series of holes 21 through
which a connector can be secured to mount the bracket to the
portion of the ATV. For example, connector 22 (FIG. 2) can be a
generally U-shaped bolt with two threaded ends 23 onto which nuts
25 can be engaged to secure the U-shaped bolt about the portion 40
of the ATV to secure the bracket to the ATV. While a U-shaped bolt
is shown in FIG. 2. it is to be understood that one or more
straight bolts can also be used as the connector, as well as a
variety of similar structures.
[0031] The connecting means 18 can include a variety of suitable
structure, including structure capable of receiving a fastener,
such as a bolt or screw, therethrough, as well as structure capable
of attaching to another device, such as a clamp, a strap assembly,
etc. Also, while four holes 21 arranged about the body 12 are shown
in the figures, it is to be understood that the connecting means
can be oriented in a variety of locations about the body and can
include a variety of numbers of holes or similar structure.
[0032] An auxiliary device receiving area 24 can be coupled to or
otherwise associated with the body 12. The receiving area can be
operable to receive and secure an auxiliary device (e.g., nut 26 of
auxiliary device 20 in FIG. 2) to the bracket 10. While not so
required, the receiving area 24 can be formed of a material
different than a material of which the body is formed. In the
example shown, the receiving area is formed of a material having a
hardness that is relatively greater than a hardness of the body. In
this manner, the body can be formed from a material selected for
beneficial properties of the body as a whole, such as weight,
manufacturability, cost, etc., without requiring that the body
material be suitable for mating with a portion (e.g., a threaded
nut) of the auxiliary device.
[0033] The auxiliary device receiving area 24 can form a portion of
an insert 26 (shown in most detail in FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C) that can
be disposed at least partially within the body 12, as shown in the
embodiments of FIGS. 1A through 2. The insert can include a lower
portion 28 having interference structure (shown generally at 29)
associated therewith. The interference structure can be operable to
engage the body 12 to limit movement of the insert 26 relative to
the body 12 in at least two degrees of freedom (shown by exemplary
linear axis of translation 31 and exemplary direction of rotation
33). Thus, in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C,
the interference structure limits movement of the insert relative
to the body in two degrees of freedom, e.g., direction 31 that
represents potential translational movement of the insert into and
out of the body 12, and direction 33 that represents potential
rotational movement of the insert within the body 12.
[0034] The interference structure 29 can take a variety of forms.
In one aspect of the invention, the interference structure includes
a series of peaks 34 and valleys 36 arranged in a generally
horizontal orientation (relative to the insert as it is held within
the body in the orientation shown in FIG. 2). While not so
required, at least some of the series of peaks can be interrupted
by one or more vertical slots 38. In this embodiment, the peaks and
valleys can aid in limiting movement of the insert relative to the
body in direction 31, while the slots 38 can aid in limiting
movement of the insert relative to the body in direction 33. In
addition to the peaks and valleys shown, the interference structure
can include threaded structure, diamond knurled structure, etc.
[0035] As will be appreciated, the interference structure 29 will
be most effective when engaged by a relatively large percentage of
internal portions of the body 12. To facilitate a good interface
between the insert 26 and the body, the body can be formed around
the interference structure of the insert during manufacture of the
mounting bracket. For example, in those embodiments of the
invention in which the body is formed from a polymer material, the
body can be molded or cast about the insert while the polymer is in
an uncured state. As the polymer cures, it will harden in and among
the peaks, valleys and slots to securely embed the insert within
the body.
[0036] Thus, in one embodiment of the invention, the body 12 can be
formed from a type of material that can be injected, molded or
otherwise encompass the insert during manufacture of the mounting
bracket. The body can be formed of a polymer, nylon, plastic, etc.
In one aspect, the body is formed of Nylon 6. The insert, and thus,
in some embodiments, the auxiliary device receiving area 24 can be
of a material selected for its ability to securely mate with
attachment structure 26 of the auxiliary device 20. In one aspect
of the invention, the insert can be formed from a metal, such as
brass, steel, stainless steel, aluminum, etc.
[0037] By forming the insert 26 and the body 12 from different
materials, the present invention allows selection of the various
sections or portions of the mounting bracket based on the optimal
qualities of each of those sections or portions. For example, the
body material can be selected so as to be lightweight, easily
formed, easily machined, etc., while the insert can be selected to
more readily engage the auxiliary device and connecting structure
associated therewith, e.g., to readily and securely mate with a nut
or bolt portion of the auxiliary device. In the embodiment shown,
the nut 26 of the auxiliary device 20 can be tightened with a great
deal of force against the receiving area of the insert 26 to ensure
that the auxiliary device remains secured to the mounting bracket,
even in the presence of significant vibrational forces induced by
movement of the ATV.
[0038] The mounting bracket 10 can also include an open channel 40
(FIGS. 1B and 1C) that can be formed through the auxiliary device
receiving area 24 and through the body 12. The open channel can be
configured to allow a connector to pass through the body without
contacting internal portions of the body. In this manner, a
connector, such as the threaded portion of the auxiliary device 20
of FIG. 2, can pass completely through the mounting bracket, if
desired, without "bottoming out" within the insert or the body. Due
to the generally superior strength of the threads (41 in FIG. 1A)
of the insert relative to the body, "bottoming out" of a threaded
connector within the body can result in the body becoming fractured
or otherwise damaged during insertion of the auxiliary device
within the insert. The open channel allows the auxiliary device to
be inserted and adjusted to a variety of heights relative to the
body without risking damage to the body.
[0039] The mounting bracket 10 can also include at least two
support sections (42 in FIG. 1A) that can support the auxiliary
device receiving area 24. The at least two support sections can
each taper downwardly and outwardly from the auxiliary device
receiving area (relative to the receiving area when it is oriented
upwardly with respect to the body) to an outer periphery of the
body 12. While not so required, the support sections can include an
arcuately sloped taper that gradually but consistently tapers from
the receiving area and outwardly and downwardly toward the
periphery of the body 12.
[0040] The support sections 42 can add strength to the receiving
area 24 (where much of the force induced by the auxiliary device
will be concentrated), without consuming excess space in and around
the receiving area. In this manner, the mounting bracket can be
provided with superior holding strength with minimal structure
adjacent the interface area where the auxiliary device is mounted
and secured to the mounting bracket. The support sections 42 can be
formed as a portion of the body 12, as shown in the figures, and
can also be coupled to or added upon the body to support the
receiving area.
[0041] In addition to the structural features discussed above, the
present invention also provides a method for forming a mounting
bracket for use in mounting at least one auxiliary device to an
ATV, including the steps of: obtaining a body having an engaging
section associated therewith, the engaging section being configured
to engage a portion of the ATV to limit movement of the body
relative to the ATV in at least one degree of freedom; and coupling
an insert at least partially within the body, the insert including:
i) an auxiliary device receiving area operable to receive and
secure an auxiliary device to the bracket; and ii) a lower portion
having interference structure associated therewith, the
interference structure operable to engage the body to limit
movement of the insert relative to the body in at least two degrees
of freedom.
[0042] It is to be understood that the above-described arrangements
are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the
present invention. Numerous modifications and alternative
arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art without
departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and
the appended claims are intended to cover such modifications and
arrangements. Thus, while the present invention has been described
above with particularity and detail in connection with what is
presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred embodiments
of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in
the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to,
variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of
operation, assembly and use may be made without departing from the
principles and concepts set forth herein.
* * * * *